Still life is generally a painting or a drawing of still objects. Still life represents natural objects, cut flowers, fruit, vegetables, fish, wine, etc. The subject needs to be inanimate. 

Usually, the subject matter is fruit bowls, because they’re made up of simple shapes and it’s easy to find. That's why it’s a popular choice. 

Different styles and mediums can be used to create Still Life paintings. The style can be precise or wild.

A bit of history

The term “still life” comes from the Dutch word 'still even'. Its roots date back to ancient times, but the still life gained recognition as a genre during the 16th century

This genre of art has been popular across movements, cultures, and periods with major figures like Paul Cézanne and Pablo Picasso.

The earliest known still life paintings were created by the Egyptians in the 15th century.

Ancient Greeks and Romans also created similar depictions of inanimate objects.

Different Styles of Still Life

16th Century Realism

This style of Still Life dates back from the 17th Century in Holland. 

At that time, rich people often commissioned paintings of all their luxurious possessions. 

All objects are painted to look as realistic as possible.

 Jan Davidsz de Heem, Still Life with Ham, Lobster and Fruit, c. 1653.

Vanitas

 

‘Vanitas Still Life’ by artist Pieter Claesz - 1625

Vanitas also originated from Holland and was designed to warn against pursuing vanity. 

Fauvism

 

Seville Still Life (1910) by Henri Matisse

Fauvists used bold and bright colours to represent everyday scenes. 

It was very popular in the 19th Century.

Cubism

Pablo Picasso, Nature Morte (Still Life), 1960

Started in the 20th century, Cubism is an abstract way to represent objects or human forms. 

One of the most famous artists is Pablo Picasso.

 

Pop Art

 

Campbell Soup Cans(1962) by Andy Warhol

Pop art is an art movement from the 1950s and the 1960s in America and Britain.

Andy Warhol was one of the first and most famous pop artists in the world.

Please visit our STILL LIFE collection

 

References:

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-dutch-lifes-dark-secrets-hide-exotic-delicacies

https://fineartamerica.com/art/photographs/fauvism

http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/prints-multiples-l18160/lot.202.html?locale=en

http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/prints-multiples-l18160/lot.202.html?locale=en

https://mymodernmet.com/what-is-still-life-painting-definition/